Are hearing loss and dementia linked?

A recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that there is a link between hearing loss and dementia.

According to the research, the association between dementia and hearing loss includes a number of factors revolving around cognitive abilities. These abilities include memory, the processing speed of your brain and how you recognize shapes, distances and sizes.

The study found that this affects older adults that are developing hearing loss. Although it is clear there is a link between developing hearing loss and dementia, it is still unclear exactly how these two are related.

What we know so far is that we can take precaution to recognize hearing problems in advance. After recognizing the problem, cognitive decline can be prevented by visiting a hearing care provider and receiving a hearing aid.

Think there is a problem?

If you sense that you might have a hearing problem or your family or friends mention it, there are many first steps you can take. First, if you want instant results, you can take an online hearing test. Just keep in mind that these tests aren’t completely accurate. If you are sensing that you are not hearing as well as you used to, make an appointment to visit a hearing care provider. Signs that you might not be hearing as well include having trouble hearing in social situations, turning up the TV louder than usual, or having trouble hearing high pitched sounds such as a child’s voice.

Why you should take your relative to your audiology appointment

First finding out about a hearing loss a can be a lot to take in. You shouldn’t have to go through it alone. We recommend that you take a relative or friend for support when you go to get your hearing tested.